MANCHESTER, England (BN24) – A violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, has left two people dead and a third, believed to be the assailant, fatally shot by police. Greater Manchester Police responded to the incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall at approximately 9:31 a.m. Thursday. The attack began when a security guard was stabbed outside the building. Authorities confirmed that, in addition to the security guard, two other people were fatally injured. A third person, believed to be the perpetrator, was shot dead by firearms officers after they were alerted to the incident.
Witnesses reported chaos as a car was driven at pedestrians near the synagogue. The violent events quickly escalated, prompting police to declare a “major incident” and initiate a national emergency response protocol known as “Plato.” Less than seven minutes later, officers fired shots at the suspect, who had been restrained and was believed to have been carrying “suspicious items” on his person. A bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene as a precautionary measure.
Paramedics arrived at the scene minutes after the police, treating victims for both stab wounds and injuries inflicted by the car. Authorities praised the swift action of bystanders, whose quick response reportedly prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the suspect’s death, and officers began conducting a thorough investigation into the events. Police urged anyone with footage of the attack to share it with authorities. The incident has raised fears of anti-Semitic violence, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
Political leaders were quick to condemn the attack. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was attending a European summit in Denmark, expressed his shock and horror over the incident. “I am appalled by this attack. It is an attack not just on the Jewish community, but on our values of tolerance and respect,” Starmer said. He is expected to return to the UK early to chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
King Charles III also issued a statement expressing his shock, emphasizing the significance of the Yom Kippur holiday for Jews worldwide. “My wife and I are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident.”
Shabana Mahmood, the UK Home Secretary, said she was “horrified” by the attack and pledged that authorities were actively investigating the situation. “My thoughts are with the victims, our brave police, and emergency services,” she wrote on social media.
In the immediate aftermath, local authorities implemented security measures around the area, including road closures and a heightened police presence. Uniformed officers, some armed with machine guns, patrolled the streets surrounding the synagogue as forensic teams combed the site for evidence.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, condemned the attack as “appalling” and noted the vulnerability of Jewish institutions during major religious observances. CST spokesperson Dave Rich likened the significance of Yom Kippur to Christmas Day for Christians, explaining that synagogues across the country are filled with worshippers, making the timing of the attack particularly devastating.
Residents of the Crumpsall neighborhood, many of whom are Jewish, voiced their shock and concern. “It’s terrifying,” one Jewish man told Sky News. “This is the holiest day of the year, and now we’re facing this. It’s hard to believe this is happening in our community.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham called the attack “vile” and reassured the public that all efforts would be made to protect the Jewish community. “We stand with Greater Manchester’s Jewish community,” Burnham said on social media, adding that police and local officials would continue to offer support.
The Israeli embassy in London also condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent and deeply distressing.” Hospitals across Greater Manchester were placed on lockdown, with reports indicating that several major medical centers, including Salford Royal and Fairfield General, had been affected.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and follow official guidance. The incident has raised further concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in the UK amid rising tensions globally.
